1.3 Million Birds Now Affected by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Minnesota

(KNSI) — The Minnesota Board of Animal Health says 1.3 million birds are now affected by the bird flu.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza was discovered in two flocks last month in Meeker and Mower Counties. On Monday, that number was up to 28 sites in 14 counties, including Kandiyohi, Morrison, and Stearns.

Any unexplained illness or increase in mortality, decreased egg production, quiet or depressed birds, respiratory or neurologic signs of disease should be investigated by calling your farm vet. For testing supplies or information, farmers and flock owners should contact:

Minnesota Poultry Testing Laboratory
622 Hwy 71 NE
Willmar, MN 56201

The phone number is 320-231-5170. The lab can also be contacted by email at poultry@state.mn.us.

The board is encouraging farmers and flock owners to get help as the bird flu outbreak may add stress, financial problems, price and marketing uncertainties, household difficulties, and social pressures. The board says, first and foremost, practice self-care and contact the Minnesota Farm and Rural Helpline any time for support. The phone number is 833-600-2670; text FARMSTRESS to 898211, email farmstress@state.mn.us and find additional links and resources by clicking here.

An emergency response team from the U.S. Department of Agriculture is deployed in the area to help. The Minnesota Legislature unanimously passed, and Governor Tim Walz signed a significant funding bill directing money to eliminate and prevent H5N2 last week.

Learn more by clicking here.

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